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Breast Cancer Myth vs. Fact

Breast Cancer Myth vs. Fact

Myth: If you have lumpy breasts, you are a likely candidate for breast cancer in the future.

Fact: Having lumpy or fibrocystic breasts does not increase your chances of developing breast cancer. Following a breast health program with regular breast exams will increase your chances of detecting cancer.

Myth: Only women get breast cancer.

Fact: It is rare, but Men do get breast cancer. If you see a lump in your partner's breast tissue, make sure he sees a doctor.

Myth: Regular annual breast exams detect all breast cancer in its early stages.

Fact: While breast cancer can be detected at earlier with regular exams, not all cancers will be detected. Most breast cancers have been present for 8 to 10 years before a lump is discovered.

Myth: Even if you do get breast cancer, treatments are safe and effective.

Fact: Chemotherapy and radiation are highly toxic and do not guarantee a cure.

Myth: Only women in their fifties get breast cancer.

Fact: While it's true that the majority of this disease, up to 78%, is found in this age group, there is still a significant number of cases found in women under the age of thirty.

Myth: Only women with a family history get breast cancer.

Fact: Of the majority of women who get breast cancer, 90% have no family history and 70% have none of the identifiable risk factors.

Myth: Abstaining from smoking, drinking alcohol, using caffeine or eating a high fat diet makes your chances of getting breast cancer almost zero.

Fact: While none of these are proven to be beneficial for your health, reducing or stopping your intake can improve your overall health.

Myth: Injury to the breast can cause breast cancer.

Fact: Trauma to the breast may result in detection of breast cancer, however this is not due to the injury. Rather it is because the breast is being examined and followed more closely than usual.

Myth: The best way to detect lumps is to do a breast self-exam in the shower.

Fact: It may be more difficult to find lumps and irregularities in breast tissue with wet, soapy fingers. The best way is while lying down, about a week after your period every month. You should be intimately aware of your body and breast. Consult your doctor, sites on the internet and magazines for the correct way to do breast self exams.

Myth: Small breasted women do not get breast cancer.

Fact: Regardless of breast size, race or socioeconomic status, all woman are susceptible to breast cancer.